Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Two fraud cases involving promises of employment abroad and arrangements for Umrah pilgrimages have been identified in Namangan and Ferghana regions. Criminal cases have been opened in both incidents, the State Security Service of Uzbekistan said.
In Namangan, a 22-year-old resident of the city gained the trust of two residents of Turakurgan district and offered, through his acquaintances, to arrange their employment in Croatia. He demanded US$3,600 for the service.
During an operation conducted by State Security Service officers jointly with the Department for Combating Economic Crimes, the man was detained while receiving US$1,000 as an advance payment. The money was seized as material evidence.
Another case was registered in Ferghana Region. A 57-year-old resident of Buvayda district, who had no authority to arrange Umrah trips, received US$2,200 from two local residents to organize their travel to Saudi Arabia.
State Security Service and internal affairs officers stopped his illegal activities.
Criminal cases were opened in both incidents under Article 168 of the Criminal Code of Uzbekistan, which covers fraud. Investigative proceedings are currently underway.
